Apparatus for electronic photography using a conventional film camera

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for operating a conventional film camera having a conventional film back and defining an image plane, in an electronic mode of operation including a video module insertable inside a camera in the place of a conventional film and forward of the conventional film back and comprising a detector array disposed in the image plane and electronic circuitry associated with the detector array for still video image acquisition.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/935,017 filed on Aug.25, 1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,040, which is a C-I-P of Ser. No.07/696,778 filed May 7, 1991, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to photography and more particularly tostill video photography.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Still video photography is well known. Electronic still cameras aredescribed inter alia in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,742,369;4,929,972; 4,933,780 and 4,949,117.

Apparatus for converting a conventional still camera employing Film foroperation as an electro-optical camera is described inter alia in thefollowing U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,953,029; 4,916,476; 4,862,293; 4,855,837;4,823,199; 4,814,811 and 4,303,322.

Generally speaking, conversion of a conventional still camera to videooperation is accomplished by replacing the camera back or adding videoapparatus to the conventional back. The prior art generally employsoptical conversion of the image at the camera focal plane to a smallerimage which is sensed by a pick-up device spaced from the focal plane.

A second prior art approach generally employs the replacement of thestill camera back with a video back which includes an image sensorplaced at the focal plane and electronic circuitry to support it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide improved apparatus for operatinga conventional film camera in an electronic mode of operation.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention apparatus for operating a conventional film camerahaving a conventional film back and defining an image plane, in anelectronic mode of operation including a video module insertable insidea camera in the place of a conventional film and forward of theconventional film back and comprising a detector array disposed in theimage plane and electronic circuitry associated with the detector arrayfor still video image acquisition.

There is also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, apparatus for operating a conventional film camera,defining an image plane, in an electronic mode of operation. Theapparatus includes a video module insertable in a camera in the place ofa conventional film and comprising a detector array disposed in theimage plane for still video image acquisition.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus also comprises image storage apparatus, image processingcircuitry and an electrical power source. In accordance with oneembodiment of the invention, at least one of the image storageapparatus, the image processing circuitry and the electrical powersource are located in the video module. According to another embodimentof the invention, the image storage apparatus as well as imageprocessing circuitry and a suitable power source are located in anauxiliary module, separate front the video module.

The auxiliary module may be mounted on the outside of the camera orseparately carried by the user. Communication between the video moduleand the auxiliary module may be provided by a wireless link oralternatively via suitable electrical conductors. As a furtheralternative, the auxiliary module may include two parts, one mounted onthe outside of the camera and one separately carried by a user.Communication between the two parts may be by either wireless or wiredlinks.

The apparatus also preferably includes apparatus for outputting videodirectly to utilization apparatus, such as a conventional video displayor television.

Optionally, the apparatus includes a field of view reducing adapterinsertable between a lens housing and a camera housing of saidconventional film camera. The field of view reducing adapter typicallycomprises a lens which, when said adapter is located within said camera,is located between a lens of said conventional film camera and saiddetector array.

Additionally, the apparatus can include a field of view expandingadapter insertable between a viewfinder of said conventional film cameraand an eye of a viewer. The field of view expanding adapter typicallycomprises a lens operative to expand the field of view reduced by thefield of view reducing adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of the still video apparatus of thepresent invention in association with a conventional film camera;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustration of a still videosystem constructed and operative in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustration of a still videosystem constructed and operative in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial illustration of a still video system correspondingto the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial layout illustration of the video module employedin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates still video apparatusof the present invention in association with a conventional film camera.As seen in FIG. 1, the camera 10 may be any suitable film camera such asa 35 mm single lens reflex camera. The still video apparatus of theinvention comprises a video module 12, which is preferably in theoverall configuration of conventional film for which the camera 10 isdesigned. Thus it can be seen that in the embodiment of FIG. 1, thevideo module includes a first portion 14 which is shaped generally likea 35 mm film cartridge and a second portion 16, which is shapedgenerally like a section of film extending outwardly therefrom and lyingin the focal plane of the camera.

It is a particular Feature of the present invention that the videomodule 12 includes a detector array, such as a CCD array, which isdisposed in the focal plane of the camera.

It is noted that no mechanical or electric linkage between the shutteror film drive of the conventional camera 10 and the video module 12 neednecessarily be provided, inasmuch as the video module 12 may record animage whenever the shutter is opened and may be programmed to read outor store the image independently of the operation of the shutter andfilm drive. Alternatively any suitable interconnection between theconventional camera controls and the video module 12 may be provided. Anexternal control may also be provided to operate the image sensorcircuits independently of the camera controls.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates typical circuitry ofthe still video apparatus of the present invention. A power source, suchas a battery, provides electrical power for the entire apparatus.Preferably, the image plane detector array comprises a CCD arrayoperated by a CCD control circuit 24. The output of the CCD array 22 issupplied to signal processing circuitry 26, which in turn outputs via anA/D converter 28 to digital signal processing circuitry 30, which storesreceived images in a memory 32. Circuitry 26 and/or circuitry 30 may beoperative for carrying out conventional image processing functions, suchas changing the sensitivity of the CCD output as by division ormultiplication of the CCD output values, and stretching or compressingthe contrast boundaries of the CCD.

Image outputs may be provided via a suitable signal port 34 to displayand/or storage devices 36, such as video terminals, video recorders andtelevisions.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, all of the circuitryand apparatus indicated within block 38 may be contained within thevideo module, which is preferably insertable in camera 10 withoutrequiring any structural modification to the camera.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 and 4, which illustrate an alternativeembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein part; ofthe circuitry and apparatus indicated within block 38 is incorporated inone or more auxiliary modules.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the video module is indicated byreference numeral 50 and preferably includes a power supply 52, a CCDarray 54, CCD control circuitry 56 and signal processing circuitry 58.According to one variation it may also include an A/D converter 60 and atransceiver 62. Alternatively, the A/D converter 60 and transceiver 62may be eliminated.

An auxiliary module 70 is also provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and4. Where a wireless link is provided with the video module 50, atransceiver 72 is provided, preferably in a housing 73 mounted at thebottom of the camera housing. In such a case, the auxiliary module 70comprises two elements.

Alternatively, where transceivers 62 and 72 are not provided, a cableconnection, such as via a flat cable, may be provided between the signalprocessor 58 in video module 50 and an A/D converter 74 in auxiliarymodule 70. The output from either A/D converter 74 or transceiver 72 issupplied to digital signal processing circuitry 76 which interfaces witha memory 78, such as a solid state memory.

The output of digital signal processing circuitry 76 is supplied eitherdirectly to a video drive circuit 80, which converts the signals toconventional format, or alternatively to either a digital diskette drive82 or via a digital to analog converter 84 to an analog diskette drive84. The auxiliary module 70 may include Facilities and controls toenable storage control and editing of the images received thereby.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates a typicalconfiguration of a video module. The video module preferably includes aCCD array 90 as well as surface mounted electronics 92 and 91, which mayinclude memory as well as control and processing electronics. Portion 14may include battery as well as additional electronics.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 which illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the present invention utilizing a relatively smalldetector array.

In this alternative embodiment, the camera, labeled 100, comprises aninterchangeable lens 102 for focusing light from a scene to be detected,an insertable detector array 104 similar to but smaller than detectorarray 22, and a field of view reducing adapter 106, typically comprisinga lens 107, for reducing the field of view of lens 102 to match that ofthe small detector array 104. Detector array 104 typically is a 2/3" CCDwhose inner diameter is typically 0.43 inches.

The field of view reducing adapter 106 typically is connectable to acamera housing 108 housing detector array 104, typically via standardcamera parts changing methods. The field of view reducing adaptor 106 istypically placed such that the lens 106 is located between lens 102 anddetector array 104. As shown in FIG. 6, lens 107 is operative to changethe field of view a₁ of the lens 102 to a smaller field of view a₂. Fora 50 mm lens, a₁ is typically 47 degrees and, for a CCD of 2/3" format,a₂ is approximately 16 degrees. It will be appreciated that the value ofa₂ is dependent on the optical design of the adapter 106 and lens 107.

Camera 100 typically also comprises a mirror 110, selectively locatablebetween the adapter 106 and the detector 104, a focusing screen 111 anda prism 112 for providing an image of the scene to be detected in aviewfinder 114. Due to the field of view reducing adapter 106, the imageseen in the viewfinder 114 typically has a small field of view.

Therefore, camera 100 can optionally comprise a field of view expandingadapter 116, typically comprising a lens 118, connectable between theviewfinder 114 and an eye 120 of a viewer, for expanding the field ofview of the scene to a standard field of view.

It will be appreciated that adapters 106 and 116 are typicallyinsertable into a conventional film camera, such as camera 10.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention isdefined only by the claims which follow:

I claim:
 1. Apparatus for electronic photography using a conventionalfilm camera having a conventional film back and defining an image plane,the apparatus including a video module insertable inside a camera in theplace of a conventional film and in front of the conventional film back,the apparatus comprising a detector array disposed in the image plane,electronic circuitry controlling the operation of the detector array,and wherein said detector array is mounted on said video module andarranged to lie in the image plane of the camera when the video moduleis seated in the camera in the place of conventional film.
 2. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 and also comprising apparatus for outputting videodata directly to utilization apparatus.
 3. Apparatus according to claim1 and wherein said apparatus also includes image storage for receivingimage signals from said detector array, image processing circuitry forprocessing the image signal and an electrical power source.
 4. Apparatusaccording to claim 3 and wherein the image storage apparatus and theimage processing circuitry are located in an auxiliary module, separatefrom the video module.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 4 and whereinsaid auxiliary module is mounted on an outside surface of the camera. 6.Apparatus according to claim 4 and wherein said auxiliary nodule isarranged to be separately carried by the user.
 7. Apparatus according toclaim 4 and also comprising communication apparatus for providingcommunication between the video module and the auxiliary module. 8.Apparatus according to claim 7 and wherein said apparatus for providingcommunication comprises a wireless link.
 9. Apparatus according to claim4 and wherein said auxiliary module comprises two parts, one mounted onthe outside of the camera and one separately carried by a user. 10.Apparatus according to claim 9 and also comprising auxiliary modulecommunication apparatus interconnecting the two parts of the auxiliarymodule.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 10 and wherein said auxiliarymodule communication apparatus comprises a wireless link.
 12. Apparatusaccording to claim 10 and wherein said auxiliary module communicationapparatus comprises a wire link.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 1 andalso including a field of view reducing adapter insertable between alens housing and a camera housing of said conventional film camera. 14.Apparatus according to claim 13 and also including a field of viewexpanding adapter insertable between a viewfinder of said conventionalfilm camera and an eye of a viewer.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 14and wherein said field of view expanding adapter comprises a lens. 16.Apparatus according to claim 13 and wherein said field of view reducingadapter comprises a lens which, when said adapter is located within saidcamera, is located between a lens of said conventional film camera andsaid detector array.
 17. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein saidauxiliary module communication means comprises a wireless link. 18.Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said auxiliary modulecommunication means comprises a wire link.
 19. Apparatus according toclaim 1 and also comprising means for outputting video data directly toutilization apparatus.
 20. Apparatus according to claim 1 and whereinsaid detector array is mounted on said video module and arranged to liein the image plane of the camera when the video module is seated in thecamera in place of conventional film.
 21. Apparatus according to claim 1and also including a field of view reducing adapter insertable between alens housing and a camera housing of said conventional film camera. 22.Apparatus according to claim 21 and also including a field of viewexpanding adapter insertable between a viewfinder of said conventionalfilm camera and an eye of a viewer.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 22and wherein said field of view expanding adapter comprises a lens. 24.Apparatus according to claim 21 and wherein said field of view reducingadapter: comprises a lens which, when said adapter is located withinsaid camera, is located between a lens of said conventional film cameraand said detector array.